Lead Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Company vehicle and travel allowance

Hybrid work flexibility

Performance-based bonuses

Retirement plan and life insurance

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Drilling Fluids Engineer in Randburg, Gauteng, a hybrid role combining on-site supervision with remote technical support to design and manage drilling fluid systems for diverse operations. The role encompasses mentoring junior engineers, optimizing fluid performance, and ensuring safety and cost control across multiple projects.

You will lead technical teams, monitor real-time data, collaborate with clients and internal teams, and travel to rig sites as required,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in drilling fluids engineering within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Deep knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, filtration, and additive properties.
• Experience with water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based drilling fluids.
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and wellbore mechanics.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage client relationships.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Hybrid work experience balancing remote analysis with on-site support.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize drilling fluid programs tailored to well objectives and geological conditions.
• Oversee selection, mixing, and maintenance of drilling fluid systems on rigs.
• Monitor real-time drilling fluid performance and adjust properties as needed.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid problems such as lost circulation and wellbore instability.
• Provide technical guidance to drilling crews and field service engineers.
• Conduct site visits to ensure safe and effective implementation of fluid programs.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Prepare technical reports and cost-effectiveness evaluations for clients.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies and innovations.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to develop customized solutions.
• Participate in remote technical reviews and on-site support in a hybrid model.

Skills

Drilling fluids engineering

Technical leadership

Client relationship management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Drilling fluid testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major service provider within the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking an experienced Lead Drilling Fluids Engineer for their Randburg, Gauteng hub. This hybrid role requires a blend of on-site supervision and remote technical support, focusing on the design, implementation, and management of drilling fluid systems. You will ensure optimal performance of drilling fluids across various drilling operations, contributing to drilling efficiency, wellbore stability, and cost control. This position involves technical leadership, client liaison, and mentoring junior engineers. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and their application in diverse geological formations and drilling environments. This is a key role in supporting safe and efficient drilling operations in the demanding Oil & Gas landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives and geological conditions.
• Oversee the selection, mixing, and maintenance of drilling fluid systems on drilling rigs.
• Monitor drilling fluid performance in real-time, analyzing data and making necessary adjustments to maintain desired properties.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems, such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and formation damage.
• Provide technical guidance and support to drilling crews and field service engineers.
• Conduct regular site visits to drilling operations to ensure effective implementation of fluid programs and adherence to safety standards.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Prepare technical reports, performance analyses, and cost-effectiveness evaluations for clients.
• Stay updated on new technologies and innovations in drilling fluid systems.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to develop customized drilling fluid solutions.
• Participate effectively in both remote technical reviews and on-site operational support as part of the hybrid work model.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in drilling fluids engineering within the Oil & Gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, filtration, and additive properties.
• Experience with various types of drilling fluids (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and wellbore mechanics.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage client relationships.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing remote analysis with on-site operational engagement.
• Ability to travel to rig sites and client locations as required.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., IADC WellSharp) are advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Exposure to a wide range of drilling projects and technologies.
• Company vehicle and travel allowance.
• Retirement plan and life insurance.
• Hybrid work flexibility supporting work-life balance.
• Supportive team environment and strong client relationships.